Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

I apologise for being late. I agree with the previous speakers. It is crucial this matter is addressed by the Minister. I understand why the Minister is establishing the authority and believe he wants it to do its work, but it is vital the Minister will respond to questions on this issue.

The Minister is no different than other Ministers. The Tánaiste refuses to answer questions relating to the HSE and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, says something or other is a matter for the board of An Post and has nothing to do with him. All of these groups are being established on the basis that there is something wrong. Clearly, we do not have our act together in terms of road safety, which I presume the Bill attempts to address, but if the Minister is not prepared to stand over those decisions and he tells Deputies that questions will be passed onto the authority, the Bill has no potential and people will not get answers, as Deputy Shortall said. It is unacceptable and takes away the powers of Deputies to ask specific and important questions of the Minister. It passes the buck and responsibility. Rather than adopting that position, the Minister must give a clear answer to his responsibility in this area.

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